Kolkata is bracing for heavy rain and thunderstorms as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued alerts for February 19 and 20, 2025. Conditions are set to become increasingly unstable due to strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal, creating the potential for thunderstorms and lightning across the region.
According to the IMD, the forecast indicates light to moderate rainfall will strike Kolkata and several surrounding districts including Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, and Midnapore. The onset of the rains is projected to begin on Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday night. H.R. Biswas, head of the Weather Forecast Section at the Regional Meteorological Centre, noted, "The conditions of the wind pattern and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal made the conditions favourable for thundershower activities." This incursion of moisture creates the right atmosphere for these tempestuous weather events.
From Wednesday, precipitation is expected to begin affecting various parts of South Bengal. East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Bankura, among others, may see significant rainfall disruptions, with thunderstorms and lightning forecasted. Similar weather patterns are anticipated to persist as conditions remain favorable for thundershowers, with rain likely extending through the weekend.
It is advised for farmers to take precautions, particularly with mature rabi crops and vegetables. The IMD has communicated the risks associated with lightning strikes, emphasizing the importance of harvesting crops and seeking shelter during storms. Precautions against potential damage from the storms are particularly important as the advance warnings suggest strong weather phenomena once the rains start.
Following the stormy forecast for the latter half of the week, Kolkata's weather mirrored the gloomy prediction. The city skyline was already draped with light cloud cover, not potent enough to trigger early rainfall, as noted by observers on Tuesday. Some areas close to the Bangladesh coast, though, experienced brief spells of rain, indicating the clouds' approach.
Looking forward, the IMD expects continued wet weather. On Saturday and Sunday, Kolkata could face similar thundershower conditions, adding to the region's rainfall total. The temperature is anticipated to range from 22 to 32 degrees Celsius over the next few days, with humidity levels hovering around 43%, adding to the discomfort from the storms.
The public is reminded to stay vigilant during this period of tumultuous weather, not just for personal safety from the storms but also concerning air quality, which may decline due to the increased moisture and cloud cover affecting air circulation. It is strongly encouraged to limit outdoor activities, especially for sensitive populations such as children and those with respiratory issues.
Residents of Kolkata are advised to monitor weather updates closely and prepare for possible disruptions as conditions may change rapidly over the coming days. With rain on the horizon, it's time to store away sensitive items, secure farmland, and prep for shelter during the impending storms. Proper precautions can mitigate risks associated with the thunderstorms forecasted for the city.